My Early Days In Galapagos

My Early Days In the Galapagos Islands: How It All Started

Devil's Crown, Floreana Island. Photo by Roberto Peralvo

Hello, fellow travelers!

My name is Roberto, Ecuadorian and native of the enchanted Galapagos Islands. I am the oldest of a three-siblings family settled in Santa Cruz Island back in the late 70s. I have been married for twelve wonderful years with my wife Veronica, who works in the travel business as well. Actually, we met on board a vessel in Galapagos, it was love at first sight.

You'd probably want to know, how did I jump into this rewarding job, 

so this is my story:

I have been in the travel industry almost all my life, I cannot lie to you; it is my passion! After years of hard study, I got my licenses as a National Tour Guide and Galapagos Naturalist Guide and then took further studies in Tourism Business Administration. Working in the islands since I was a young adventurer, I have been leading groups in the Galapagos Islands and Ecuador since 2001 and helping local communities to develop through sustainable tourism.

This is what I enjoy the most about being a guide, helping local people grow while sharing the Ecuadorian culture with our guests.

Photos by Roberto Peralvo

My first experiences with nature started very early in my life. Being born and raised in a paradisiac place like the Galapagos Islands was an experience that built my personality and cultivated my passion for animals and nature, something that not all kids in Ecuador are lucky to have during primary school times. It was a matter of stepping out of the house and being immediately surrounded by wildlife in a unique environment: birds singing, lizards running, with the best of lucks even some giant tortoises getting closer, and that fresh marine breeze in your face. It was amazing!

Life in the islands taught me to be fearless, to cohabitate with big animals and small creatures, to protect nature, and to respect life above all. I remember, as a boy, walking with my friends to Tortuga Bay beach to swim or to Las Grietas to improve my cliff jumping abilities - a perfect way to be fit and grow up! 

How could I forget going to the fisherman's market and choosing the freshest seafood to take back home where my mum prepared the most delicious recipes. Attending a school where both my parents were teachers was also an enriching experience. 

Life in Galapagos is so pure, and I would not change it for anything. 

Galapagos Lobster. Photo by Roberto Peralvo

These memories prevail deeply in my soul, and every time I go back to the islands for work or holidays, they revive in my mind like it was yesterday. When I am leading a group of travelers in Ecuador, I want to make them part of the memories that I have experienced since I was a little boy, so they can feel in person the wonders of the new places they are about to discover.

During the difficult times that we are facing nowadays due to the pandemic, we must stay positive, looking for new opportunities, and getting the best out of them. That is why I started writing this blog, so I can keep alive my passion and love for traveling. It is my sincere purpose to share this common interest with others like you and me, who enjoy learning and discovering new places, people, cultures, flavors; people who want to feel alive.

I invite you to join me on this new adventure, and from the comfort of your home, let's travel together through my wonderful country, Ecuador.

Who is up for an adventure?

Punta Suarez, Española Island. Photo by Roberto Peralvo

Stay tuned folks, we will continue our adventures on Touring in PJS!

Your <virtual> guide,

Roberto